Although civilians are also eligible for the program, the call for nominations released this week is for active-duty officers only, said Maj. Cotina Jenkins-Sellers, of the AFPC Officer Developmental Education section.

"This program is designed specifically for highly-motivated Airmen who have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability, commitment to public service and integrity, and who have an interest in moving into senior management positions," Jenkins-Sellers said.

Participants function in a simulated environment where they focus on real-life situations that involve short deadlines and require thoughtful decision making, the major explained.

"Candidates must be receptive to a unique training methodology, able to assume responsibility for their own learning, and be able to conceptualize and analyze problems effectively," she said.

The course requires intense self-discipline and self-study, she explained. Military members remain in their current assignments throughout the program, with the exception of 95 days that are spent in training, briefings and trips to learning environments.

Because participation is not associated with a permanent change of station, those selected will not incur an additional active-duty service commitment, Jenkins-Sellers said.

In addition to grade requirements, applicants must have completed Squadron Officer School and intermediate developmental education, and must have successfully commanded a flight or higher level organization. Applicants must complete the AF IMT 3849 v2, PME/AFIT/RTFB/Officer Worksheet, and the ELDP application (at http://www.cpms.osd.mil/lpdd/eldp_index.aspx) to apply. Applications must be submitted to AFPC no later than April 30.

The member's home unit is responsible for travel and per diem costs, so applications must include a recommendation statement from the first colonel or equivalent in the chain of command acknowledging awareness of that fact.